Loud screams can be heard and a person shouting: "Stop this f***ing ride!"

A man then says: "I thought that ain't gonna happen... F***ing hell".

Witnesses have reported the air ambulance landing inside the park and seeing "blood everywhere", with some of the passengers reportedly unconscious.

An Alton Towers spokeswoman said: "The resort's fully qualified first responders were on the scene immediately to assist with the evacuation which is ongoing, and the area has been closed to allow for access to emergency services vehicles.

"To ensure the safe and timely evacuation of guests a platform is being constructed. This will take a few minutes but will enable us to proceed more quickly.

"There will be a full investigation once we have recovered the guests who are our priority."